Miscellaneous Schemes under Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
Accessible India Campaign (Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan)
| Aspect | Details |
| Type | Nationwide Campaign |
| Launched by | Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities in December 2015 |
| Objective | Ensure universal accessibility for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) |
| Key Components | 1. Built Environment Accessibility (govt buildings, infrastructure) 2. Transportation Accessibility (airports, railways, buses) 3. Information & Communication Technology (ICT) Accessibility (websites, documents, media) |
| Mandate | Compliance with UNCRPD (UN Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities) |
Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana
| Type | Central Sector Scheme |
| Launched in | March 2017 |
| Beneficiaries | Senior citizens from BPL category (identified by States/UTs) |
| Objective | Provide physical aids and assisted-living devices to senior citizens |
| Features | – Covers multiple disabilities – 30% reservation for women in each district – Free maintenance for 1 year by ALIMCO |
| Implementing Agency | Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO) |
National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR)
| Type | Centrally Sponsored + Central Sector components |
| Duration | 2018–2023 |
| Objective | 1. Preventive education & awareness 2. Rehabilitation of drug addicts 3. Reduce stigma, reintegrate into society |
| Financial Assistance | To: • States/UTs for awareness, skill development • NGOs/VOs for Integrated Rehabilitation Centres, Outreach Centres, Drop-in Centres • Govt hospitals for Addiction Treatment Facilities (ATFs) |
📍 Sub-Scheme: Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (NMBA); launched in 2020
| Target Area | 372 Most Vulnerable Districts |
| Community Outreach | Through 8,000+ youth volunteers |
| Support to Districts | ₹10 lakh per district (on submission of Annual Action Plan) |
Deendayal Divyangjan Rehabilitation Scheme
| Type | Central Sector Scheme |
| Launched in | 1999, revised in 2023 |
| Objective | Create enabling environment for empowerment of PwDs |
| Support | Financial aid to voluntary organizations (VOs) for: – Early intervention – Daily living skill development – Education & vocational training |
| Legal Support | Supports effective implementation of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 |
Inclusive India Initiative
| Objective | Mainstreaming persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities |
| Launched in | 6 June 2017 |
| Focus Areas | 1. Inclusive Education 2. Inclusive Employment 3. Inclusive Community Life |
| Nodal Agency | National Trust (for persons with developmental/intellectual disabilities) |
Unique Disability ID (UDID) Project
| Purpose | Streamline identification and delivery of benefits to PwDs |
| Launched in | 27 January 2017 |
| Mode | Issued by competent medical authorities in each State/UT |
| Features | Digital database, single ID for all disability-related entitlements |
Dr. Ambedkar Scheme for Social Integration through Inter-Caste Marriages
| Launched in | 2013 |
| Aim | Encourage SC–non-SC inter-caste marriages to reduce caste prejudice |
| Financial Incentive | ₹2.5 lakh per couple • ₹1.5 lakh: upfront • ₹1 lakh: after 3 years (FD maturity) |
| Eligibility | One spouse must be SC, the other non-SC |
| Capping | Number of beneficiaries per state depends on SC population (2011 Census) |
| Discretionary Power | Final sanction at the discretion of Dr. Ambedkar Foundation |
Pradhan Mantri Dakshta Aur Kushalta Sampann Hitgrahi (PM-DAKSH)
| Objective | Provide free skill development training to marginalized sections |
| Launched in | 2020-21 |
| Target Groups | • Scheduled Castes • OBC/Economically Backward Classes • Denotified Tribes • Safai Karamcharis (including waste pickers) |
| Age Group | 18–45 years |
| Features | – 100% government-funded – Post-training placement support |
| Part of | National Action Plan for Skilling of Marginalised Persons |
Varishtha Pension Bima Yojana
Type: Social Security Scheme
Implementing Agency: Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC)
Target Group: Senior Citizens (60 years and above)
Launched by: Government of India (initially in 2003, revamped version in 2017)
🔍 Aim:
To ensure financial security during old age and safeguard senior citizens from volatile market returns, which often reduce their income in times of falling interest rates.
💡 Key Features:
- Guaranteed Pension: Assured return of 8% per annum for 10 years, regardless of market fluctuations.
- Flexible Payout Options: Pension can be received on a monthly, quarterly, half-yearly, or annual basis, according to the subscriber’s convenience.
- Return of Purchase Price: On completion of the 10-year policy term, the invested amount is returned to the subscriber or nominee.
This scheme acts as a financial cushion for elderly people who rely on fixed income, ensuring dignity and independence in their retirement years.
Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY)
Full Form: Empowering the Elderly for a Dignified Life
Type: Umbrella Scheme (Centrally Sponsored)
Launched: Renamed in 2021 from the earlier National Action Plan for Senior Citizens
Vision: To create a society where the elderly live a healthy, self-reliant, and respected life, with inter-generational harmony.
🧩 Major Components of AVYAY:
- 🏠 Integrated Programme for Senior Citizens (IPSrC)
- Financial support to eligible NGOs and institutions to run and maintain Senior Citizen Homes and Continuous Care Homes.
- ~1.5 lakh beneficiaries currently live in such facilities.
- 🌐 SAGE Portal (Seniorcare Aging Growth Engine)
- Encourages startups and entrepreneurs to develop innovative products and services for the elderly care sector.
- ♿ Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY)
- Distribution of aids and assistive devices to:
- BPL senior citizens, or
- Those earning below ₹15,000/month.
- Devices include walking sticks, hearing aids, spectacles, etc.
- Distribution of aids and assistive devices to:
- 💼 Livelihood & Skilling Initiatives
- Helps senior citizens enhance their earnings and maintain self-respect.
- Key Initiatives:
- SACRED Portal: Connects elders with employers.
- AGRASR Groups (Action Groups Aimed at Social Reconstruction): Encourage meaningful engagement of seniors in society.
- 📞 National Helpline for Senior Citizens
- Dedicated helpline to address grievances, abuse, and service-related issues of elderly individuals.
- 💰 CSR Channeling for Elderly Welfare
- Encourages private sector participation through Corporate Social Responsibility funds for elderly projects.
AVYAY adopts a comprehensive approach — covering shelter, healthcare, employment, technology, and grievance redressal — to ensure the dignity and empowerment of India’s ageing population.
Traditional Artisans’ Upliftment Livelihood Programme (TULIP)
Target Group: Traditional Artisans
Ministry: MoSJE
Type: Livelihood & Market Access Scheme
Launched on: 5 November 2024
🎯 Purpose:
To provide a digital and global platform to traditional artisans for achieving economic self-reliance through better access to the market.
🧵 Features:
- Creation of an e-marketplace for artisans.
- Enables them to:
- Showcase traditional crafts and skills.
- Earn sustainable income and preserve cultural heritage.
Through TULIP, the ministry aims to blend tradition with technology, opening up new entrepreneurial avenues for marginalized artisans.
PM YASASVI: Young Achievers’ Scholarship Award Scheme for Vibrant India
Ministry: MoSJE
Type: Scholarship Scheme
Launched on: 2021-22
Target Group:
- Other Backward Classes (OBC)
- Economically Backward Classes (EBC)
- Denotified, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (DNTs)
🎯 Objective:
To promote educational excellence and inclusivity among socially and economically disadvantaged students.
📚 Key Features:
- Scholarships for meritorious students studying in Classes 9 to 12.
- Online selection via transparent computer-based tests.
- Reduces financial burden on poor families, enabling students to pursue quality education and compete at par.
PM-YASASVI ensures that economic constraints do not become a barrier for talented youth from backward communities.